• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • Photoroom_20250531_143432Pyramyd Air’s Springfield Hellcat Pro CO2 BB Pistol Is the Ultimate Dry-Fire Trainer
        • image-112d3d00Helwan Brigadier 9mm Range Report
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • m142Too Tough to Die: The M14
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • ac65a540-2ef3-4598-8d11-afdf53f46e94.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X: A Thoroughly Bright Review
        • Bluetti 2 handsfree power backpackBluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
        • The Gallagator 10 day pack on the shoreline next to a hiking trail.Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
        • PXL_20240209_171721326Pic of the Day, It’s Graduation Time
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • craft holstersCraft Holsters Makarov Tuckable IWB Holster Report
        • rs3CIVIVI RS71 Review : Big Blade Energy
        • civivi2Civivi Brazen Review: The Best Budget EDC Knife under $75?
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise
Knives & Tools

Hogue Auto Knife | First Look

May 22, 2017 by Travis Pike Leave a Comment

Hogue Auto Knife | First Look

Hogue is mostly known for their well-made series of firearms grips. They make grips and stocks for rifles, shotguns, and handguns of all kinds. Hogue is branching off into knives, and they made a big showing at Shot Show 2017. Hogue has dived headfirst into the knife and blade realm in general with tomahawks, fixed blade knives, folders, and to me most importantly automatic knives. Since Shot Show I’ve really had the desire for an automatic knife. I didn’t have a particular brand in mind, but the Hogue auto knife series was the first to show up with the options I wanted.

Hogue Auto Knife | First Look
In the Box

The Hogue Auto Knife EX-AO3

My needs were for a smooth, non-serrated drop point blade with a simple set of black grips. My options were limited largely because of an inane and ridiculous switchblade laws I can’t really order what I want online. Luckily my gun store is also my knife store and they ordered a wide variety of Hogue Auto knives. The model that fit my needs was the EX-AO3. This particular Hogue Auto knife is a side opening blade and comes in a variety of different colors. I like keeping things simple, so the black grips are best for me. The drop point straight blade ensures easy sharpening and simple and reliable blade design.

Hogue Auto Knife | First Look

This particular Hogue auto knife fits my needs, however, Hogue is offering plenty of options for the picky knife enthusiast. There is tanto, serrated, and swept back options available. The Hogue Auto knife line is quite broad and they are really trying to take the knife industry by storm.

Ergos

I’ve only had my EX-AO3 for a week now but I’m already a huge fan, Hogue’s controls are simple but effective. The knife features a locking safety system. With the lock pulled to the rear this Hogue auto knife isn’t moving an inch. Push the button and the blade stays put. Remove the safety and the blade is in your hand and ready to rock and roll. Push the safety into position and the blade is locked into position until the safety is released the blade cannot be put away.

Hogue Auto Knife | First Look

The blade is ready and in your hand via the push of a button, regardless of how busy your off-hand is.  To put the blade away, push the safety downward, and press the release button. You can then fold the knife away, re-engage the lock and be safe and secure in carrying any Hogue auto knife. I’m looking forward to seeing just what the Hogue EX-AO3 can do. Look for a review coming up soon.

Share This

About the Author

Travis Pike Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record setting 11 months at sea. He’s trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines and the Afghan National Army. He serves as an NRA certified pistol instructor and teaches concealed carry classes.

See All Travis Pike Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
    Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
    The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
  • M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon
    M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon
  • Removing Rust From Firearms? No Problem
    Removing Rust From Firearms? No Problem
  • Breek Arms Sledgehammer: The AR-15 Charging Handle That Gas Can’t Touch
    Breek Arms Sledgehammer: The AR-15 Charging Handle That Gas Can’t Touch

Find Us on Facebook

Recent Comments

  • Ajita Sherer on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Josiah on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Woox Store on Tommy Gun Madness: The Thompson Submachine Gun

Latest From SOFREP

News

Evening Brief: Fentanyl Seizures Down Dramatically, White House Staffer’s Phone Breached, Falcon 9 Launch

Foreign Policy

Hegseth’s High-Stakes Gambit: U.S. Defense Secretary Issues Clear Warning to China at Shangri-La Dialogue

Firearms

Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your SIG 365

Op-Ed

The Bolduc Brief: Upholding the Sacred Trust – The Imperative of Protecting the Department of Veterans Affairs

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2025 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...